Put a timer and a student roster next to the computer. Teach the students how to set the timer for 15 minutes and to tap the next person on the shoulder when they are done.
Have a student who serves as "Computer Assistant." If students have a question, they are to go to the Computer Assistant for help. If the Assistant doesn't know, then they can ask the teacher.
Have a class schedule posted where students rotate at 15 minute shifts all day, even during direct instruction. This schedule is at different times during the week, so students don't miss the same class instruction each day (Student A starts Monday at 8:15, Tuesday at 10:00, Wednesday at 12:30, Thursday at 1:45, and Friday at 3:00). Since they are in the classroom while working on their assignments, they still hear all the necessary instruction.
Creating a progressive story is another way for students to use your word processing software. You may want to start the story by writing a good introduction.
Assign groups to collaborate on a story (character, plot, setting, beginning, middle, and ending)
One student per day (computer student of the day) gets to use the computer.
From the main menu, select Somalia, Nepal, France, Cuba, Fiji, Uruguay, and India.
Scroll down and click on the "Data Menu" button.
Select Threatened Species, Population Density, and Life Expectancy (Male/Female).
Which country has the highest population density?
Which has the lowest life expectancy?
Which country has the greatest number of threatened species?
Go back to the first page and compare some country data on your own.
Use a webpage to list activities the students may use during their time at the computer. Scavenger hunt style with questions or just a list. Need to have presented the instructions ahead of time. Do not tolerate "wandering". Loss of time. No one takes over the time - this will cut down on tattle tales.
Myth #1 - You Can't use video from YouTube in the classroom!
yes you can BUT...........
1. you have to plan ahead
2. you have to prepare off campus
3. you have to practice
http://www.youtube.com
1. copy the address of the video you want
2. open (go to)
http://www.zamzar.com/
follow the steps (click on URL in the #1 box)
no need to log-in - its free
you will need an e-mail address that you can get to within 24 hours to download the video. It takes a few minutes up to an hour to get the e-mail.
United Streaming is going away ------- here are some alternate video sites
http://www.teachertube.com/
http://www.teachersdomain.org/
http://www.watchknow.org/
http://www.schooltube.com/
Myth # 2 - My Students can't use the computer in my room - I only have 1!
Yes they can IF .............
1. You have a plan.
2. You give up some time on it and control.
3. Don't use it like a water fountain. - you can't afford the class time.
http://www.tomsnyder.com/
Interwrite Pad
cps
Have a class schedule posted where students rotate at 15 minute shifts all day, even during direct instruction. This schedule is at different times during the week, so students don't miss the same class instruction each day (Student A starts Monday at 8:15, Tuesday at 10:00, Wednesday at 12:30, Thursday at 1:45, and Friday at 3:00). Since they are in the classroom while working on their assignments, they still hear all the necessary instruction.
Infonation: Country Comparisons
Go to the bookmark:
"Infonation"
or
http://www.un.org/Pubs/CyberSchoolBus/infonation/e_infonation.htm
other cool stuff
http://www.wordle.net
http://www.sporcle.com/
http://school.nettrekker.com
http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/readsummer2010